Behind Closed Doors

thirty four

After the embarrassment, Aliah chose to keep her eyes and mouth shut while leaning her head against the seat.

Miro, on the other hand, open the radio to play some music. She sang along a little as she drove.

Her grandparents, both sleeping in the backseat, leaned their head onto each other's.

A smile form on her lips as she glances through the rear mirror.

Tayo kaya? Ganyan din kapag tumanda tayo? Tatanda ba tayo together? She thought to herself as she stares at Aliah.

A hopeful and desperate eyes shows in her.

The drives to the lake doesn't last that long. Miro parked the car on the parking area near the lake. She got off quietly, careful not to wake them up.

She open the trunk to get their stuffs. She took them out one by one then closed it again.

Miro arrangement everything by herself. She refused to asked for help because they are sleeping soundly.

When she's done, Miro sat there as her eyes wander around. The area wasn't crowded at all. There's a few people around doing their own things.

Miro sighed in contentment.

Pwede kayang dito na lang kami? Sa lugar na malaya kaming gawin ang nga bagay na hindi pwede? Pwede bang manatili na lang dito?

Miro shook her head, knowing the answer to her thoughts would always be a big NO.

Their life wasn't made out of fantasy where they can live their life with happy ever after.

But at least she got a chance to experience this kind of feelings where love and peace are found.

She just can't help her wishful thinking that maybe if only they can, they would.

"Akala ko ba double date? Bakit sinosolo mo ata?" Aliah sat beside her. Miro stared at her feeling the warmth in her chest.

Miro didn't know, when was the exact moment she started to feel this things but it's kinda comforting for her.

"Don't look at me like that." Aliah spoke, feeling vulnerable under her stares.

"Like what?" Miro keep her eyes on her.

"Like I am the only one you can look at." Aliah almost whispered.

"Maybe." Miro softly muttered.

"You're the one I want to look at, that I can spend my day looking at you and never complain."

Aliah looked away almost immediately, her cheeks flushed, her knees weaken.

Miro gentle hold her hands. Aliah melt underneath her touches. She turned back to meet her gaze again. This time she's more brave to hold the stares.

"Say something please." Miro looks at her with affection, too much to ignore but too hesitant to notice.

"I-I... "

"Miro, bakit hindi mo kami ginising ng Lolo mo."

Miro subtly let go of Aliah's hands. As they turned to look at her grandparents who's looking at them, confused.

"Sarap po ng tulog niyo e." Miro scratches her head as she tried to reason out.

"Don't worry, Lola. Miro didn't wake me up as well. I just got here po." Aliah smiles at her, trying to hide her emotions behind her neutral expression.

"Ganun ba, osiya. Maglalakad lakad lang kami ng Lola mo." Sabi naman ng Lolo ni Miro sabay kindat kay Miro.

"Sige po, dito na muna kami." Sabi naman ni Miro, dedma sa kindat ng Lolo niya.

"Are you guys really close?" Tanong ni Aliah ng makalayo na ang dalawa.

"Hmm.." Miro nodded as she turned her gaze to the lake that is twinkling because of the sun rays.

"You're so lucky to have them." Aliah said with adoration.

Miro smiles softly.

"I am." a tears slowly form in her eyes.

"Sila lang ang meron ako noong mga panahon na walang wala ako." She continued, her lips trembled due to her emotions, biting down on them to stop herself from crying. She firmly shut her eyes, not letting her tears to come out.

Aliah stares at her as she place her hand on Miro's back and rubbed it gently.

"When my.. my mom and Cleir left and my dad passed away." Her voice came out from her mouth bitterly, weighting a lot of grief. Maybe Miro is right all along. The cut will remain in her no matter what.

"They took me here, open their arms to embrace me when I have no one to run to." Miro smiled faintly with a hint of gratitude.

"You can run to me whenever you need." Aliah smiles at her. Miro lean to hug her. Aliah didn't hesitate to hug her back.

'Lord, huwag mo na sanang bawiin 'to. Ibalato mo lang, ipapanalo ko kahit maraming sumasalungat.'

Miro prayed.